As of 2025, more than 57% of American adults say they are living paycheck to paycheck, according to MarketWatch Guides (1). And persistent inflation certainly isn’t helping matters in that regard. Living paycheck to paycheck can be extremely stressful and if you find yourself in this situation, you may find yourself with zero financial cushion. Here, any unplanned expense could throw you for a loop and force you to rack up hundreds or even thousands in debt. Must Read Imagine the example of Laura, 49, w ...

Many Americans end the year with a long list of bills and little (or no) cash left over. Holiday spending often adds financial pressure while everyday expenses continue to climb. And if an unexpected cost hits at the same time, they may need to rely on credit cards to get by. That’s why building a small rainy day fund is so important. It can give you breathing room when surprises happen. A rainy day buffer can be a great way to cover the small emergencies that disrupt your budget, like a flat tire or an ...